Ronaldo to visit India next year to watch ISL

Macau: Football fans in India will have to wait for another year to get a glimpse of former Brazilian legend Ronaldo as he would be able to accept his long-time friend and ex-teammate Roberto Carlos' invitation to watch the ISL only in 2016.

"I would love to go to India and watch the Indian Super League once. But this time, I have to go back to Brazil. So I would not be able to make it to India this year. But for sure, I am coming to India in the next season," Ronaldo, who is currently playing at the ongoing Asian Poker Championship here, today told PTI.

One of the best strikers of all time, Ronaldo, however, denied that he would be seen in action at the football field. "There is no happy news for the football fans. I am not coming back as I am not that fast anymore, like I used to be in the old times," he said when asked if he plans to be a part of ISL either as a player or a coach.

Having played football at the top level for 17 years and being a part of the World Cup-winning Brazil team twice, Ronaldo said he took up poker professionally after retirement as he was missing the emotion of being in a competitive field. "I miss that emotion of competition," he said, adding, "I miss playing football. I used to be so happy on the match days."

Drawing similarities between football and poker, Ronaldo said both need a lot of practice.

"Both the games are very difficult. A lot of practice is needed in both. One is physical and the other is metal. I was definitely better in football. I am working hard on my poker, but am still too young for it," said the 39-year-old.

"Poker, you have to study a lot. You have to get so many formations and it is not just about you. You have to watch how other people are playing. When you are on the table, you have to see every reaction. You have to be extremely focused, no distractions. "I love playing poker as it is so much fun and difficult at the same time," he added.

With three FIFA World Player of the Year awards, two Ballon d'Or awards and many more accolades, he is a tough competitor and even as an amateur he is giving his opponents a run for their money.

Earlier this year, at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure event in Bahamas, he finished 26th. From a starting field of 816, Ronaldo made it all the way to the final 26 players before he was sent to the rail, taking home USD 42,180 for his first cash prize in a major poker tournament.

"Yes, I did well and I am the first professional player from Brazil to do so," Ronaldo said.